The Government yesterday called to order the United States
ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Brian Nichols for violating the Vienna Convention
which governs diplomatic missions, as he is dabbling in local politics through
pushing an opposition agenda.
Instead of peddling falsehoods of a non-existent crisis,
the Government said Mr Nichols should use his position, as a diplomat stationed
in Zimbabwe, to call for the removal of illegal sanctions that his country
imposed on Zimbabwe in blatant disregard of international law.
Mr Nichols, who told a South African publication that the
Zimbabwean Government does not respect human rights, has consistently turned a
blind eye on the political reforms that the Second Republic has instituted
including the re-engagement and dialogue platforms that President Mnangagwa has
availed to both local and international players.
His position, which dovetails with the opposition agenda
that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe, is however, at variance with the situation
obtaining in the country, where President Mnangagwa has opened his doors for
dialogue to parties that lost the 2018 elections in the spirit of nation
building.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade said Mr Nichols was engaging in “megaphone diplomacy” through
making baseless statements in the media so as to cast aspersions on the Second
Republic and its efforts towards achieving Vision 2030.
“The Zimbabwe Government once again expresses its utter
dismay at the actions by the United States Ambassador Mr Brian Nichols in
continuing to make disparaging public comments and attacks on the Zimbabwe
Government’s political and economic programmes in clear violation of the Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which governs the rules for the exchange
and treatment of envoys between States, as well as their behaviour.
“This is despite a reminder from the Honourable Minister of
Foreign Affairs and International Affairs in October 2019 that such activities
were at variance with the obligations placed on a diplomatic mission,
representative or agent of a foreign government by the Vienna Convention on
diplomatic relations to respect the rules of diplomatic conduct,” the statement
from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade reads.
“Furthermore, diplomatic channels for communication of any
concerns to the Zimbabwe Government do exist and Ambassador Nichols is
encouraged to make use of these, instead of engaging in the megaphone diplomacy
of casting aspersions on the Zimbabwe Government and dabbling in local politics
including pushing an agenda meant to prop up the fortunes of an opposition
which is trying to sell a dummy to the world, that there is a political crisis
in Zimbabwe. The truth of the matter is that there simply is no such crisis in
Zimbabwe.”
The ministry said allegations by Ambassador Nichols of a
country in turmoil were without grounding, adding that a forum for national
dialogue already existed and it was up to those who remain outside to join it.
“Ambassador Nichols’ actions are objectionable and stand in
contravention of Diplomatic Missions’ obligations under the Vienna
Convention. The Ambassador has a
responsibility to carry out his legitimate functions without unduly attacking
the Zimbabwe Government. He is therefore urged to cease forthwith any actions
which result in not only further harming relations between Zimbabwe and the
United States, but are also a flagrant violation of protocol, etiquette and the
basic tenets of the Vienna Convention,” said the ministry.
The Government said Zimbabwe, like most countries, is
grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, effects of Cyclone Idai, droughts and the
debilitating effects of the illegal sanctions that have bled the country of
millions.
“Contrary to claims by Ambassador Nichols that Zimbabwe
lacked democracy and that the Government ignored human rights, Zimbabwe
actually has a vibrant democracy which is buttressed by a free Press and an
independent judiciary and the Government respects the rights of Zimbabweans.”
Government’s record in fighting corruption is well
documented and Ambassador Nichols was aware of cases of several former
Government ministers and senior officials on trial for corruption, said the
ministry.
The ministry said as a local diplomat Ambassador Nichols
should be able to focus on several developments the Government has embarked
upon to improve the economy.
The ministry said Zimbabwe was currently undertaking a
re-engagement drive with Western countries including the US as evidenced by
President Mnangagwa’s meeting last year in Mozambique with United States
Assistant Secretary of State Ambassador Tibor Naggy with whom he held very
cordial and frank discussions regarding bilateral cooperation and developments
in Zimbabwe.Herald
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